Are NYC Dogs the Most Spoiled in the World?
Living in New York City means walking –a lot. With the sun shining above brownstone buildings, one can easily appreciate the visuals that the city has to offer: graffiti art, cute cafes, dogs with bandanas, bagel shops, another dog with a bandana, a dog walker with five different dogs – wait, why are there so many dogs? One, two, three, four…and hang on, why are they all kind of chubby?
Having lived in New York City for the past year, I can confidently say that I encounter a lot of dogs on the street. On almost every block, I see at least two, and they seemingly appear to be the most spoiled and well-groomed little animals you can imagine. Many of them are adorned with bandanas from the pet salon, their coats freshly brushed, and now that it's getting colder, even sporting sweaters!! Which makes me wonder: are New York City dogs the most spoiled dogs in the country? Or better yet, in the entire world?
Let’s take a closer look at the numbers. According to the World Population Review’s 2024 Pet Ownership Statistics, about 50% of New York households own pets. So, half of New Yorkers have furry companions of their own–but how do we figure out if it's New York City dogs that are, in fact, the most spoiled?
A recent survey from Forbes Advisor, conducted by pet insurance experts, helps shed light on this question. The study examined 5,002 dog owners across the United States, focusing on nine key factors to determine which states spoil their dogs the most. These factors included whether owners brought their beloved pups on vacation, spent more money on their dogs than their partners, and even if they spent more money on their dog’s health than their own. Other indicators included buying outfits and accessories for their dogs, carrying them when they refused to walk, or pushing them in strollers. Though the general public may think this study is odd, New Yorkers would disagree. In fact, among the New Yorkers who participated in the survey, 40% admitted they spent more money on their dog than their significant other, and 55% of them admitted to spending more money on their pups' grooming and health on their own.
It’s no surprise that appearances matter in New York, and that extends to pets. Six out of ten New Yorkers responded they regularly bought outfits and accessories for their pets (as we can see on the streets, with several furry friends in their new fall sweaters). 45% of dog owners in New Yorkers even throw birthday parties for their furry friends.
So, the numbers are in, and it’s official: New Yorkers can’t stop spoiling their dogs. If you’re not from New York and own a dog, I recommend keeping this information from your furry friends–they might get jealous! I just hope that New Yorkers don’t go overboard with pampering their pets, as I’ve seen some dogs that could use fewer birthday treats and a bit more walking. Speaking of which, I volunteer myself as tribute to be a dog walker!
